Traders of Mammy 3, Lungi Building Materials Market in Abuja, have staged a peaceful protest expressing displeasure on the alleged demolition of the market by men of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking with Newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Maxwell Okpara urged the Chief of Staff and the Nigerian Army to obey the interim order of the Federal High Court that restrained them from trespassing and demolishing the market pending the determination of the matter on notice.
Mr. Okpara who said the interim order was issued on Thursday, 6th of April, was surprised that the army disobeyed the order and commenced demolition.
He alleged that there was an agreement between the army and the traders to lease the market for 25years but that the army reneged on its agreement after 3 years and commenced demolition without explanations.
Mr. Okpara further advised the defendants to respect the rule of law and the sanctity of the court.
One of the aggrieved Traders, Mr. Valentine Ajuibe alleged that they were served 2 weeks quit notice without compensation.
All efforts to reach the Managing Director of the Nigerian Army Welfare, Major General S. Jiya, as at the time of this report proved abortive.
The motion on notice before the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been adjourned until the 4th of next month. #
Reporting by Ifeoma Nwovu; Editing by Annabel Nwachukwu